The following sections describe the carrier frequencies and general uses of radiotelegraphy and data transmission with respect to the following:

(a) Distress, urgency, safety, call and reply.

(b) Working.

(c) Digital selective calling (DSC).

(d) Narrow-band direct-printing (NB-DP).

(e) Facsimile.

(f) VHF-FM digital small message services (VDSMS).

[81 FR 90747, Dec. 15, 2016]

This section describes the distress, urgency, safety, call and reply carrier frequencies assignable to stations for Morse code radiotelegraphy.

(a) Frequencies in the 100-160 kHz band. The international calling frequency in the 100-160 kHz band is 143 kHz using A1A or J2A emission. When a ship station operating in the 100-160 kHz band desires to communicate with a coast station, it must call on the frequency 143 kHz unless the International List of Coast Stations provides otherwise. Coast stations must reply on their normal working frequency in this band. Only individual calls, replies to such calls, and transmission of signals preparatory to traffic may be transmitted on 143 kHz.

(b) Frequencies in the 2000-27500 kHz band—(1) Ship station frequencies. The following table describes the calling frequencies in the 4000-27500 kHz band which are available for use by authorized ship stations equipped with crystal-controlled oscillators for A1A, J2A, J2B, or J2D radiotelegraphy. There are two series of frequencies for worldwide use and two series of frequencies for each geographic region. Ship stations with synthesized transmitters may operate on every full 100 Hz increment in the 0.5 kHz channel for the frequencies listed, except for 100 Hz above and below those designated for worldwide use. During normal business hours when not communicating on other frequencies, all U.S. coast radiotelegraph stations must monitor the worldwide frequencies and the initial calling frequencies for the region in which it is located. The specific frequencies which must be monitored by a coast station will vary with propagation conditions. The calling frequencies which are routinely monitored by specific coast stations can be determined by reference to the ITU publication entitled “List of Coast Stations.” Initial calls by ship stations must be made on the appropriate initial calling frequency first. Calls on the worldwide frequencies may be made only after calls on the appropriate initial calling frequency are unsuccessful.

(2) Coast Station frequencies. Coast stations may use any working carrier frequency for distress, safety and calling listed in § 80.357(b)(1) which is not identified with a specific use.

(c) Frequencies in the VHF bands. (1) Survival craft stations using 121.500 MHz may be assigned A3N emission for radiobeacon purposes.

(2) EPIRB stations may be assigned 121.500 MHz and 243 MHz using A3E, A3X and NON emission or 406.0-406.1 MHz using G1D emission to aid search and rescue operations. See subpart V of this part.

[51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986; 51 FR 34984, Oct. 1, 1986; 52 FR 35245, Sept. 18, 1987; 56 FR 9886, Mar. 8, 1991; 56 FR 11516, Mar. 19, 1991; 68 FR 46969, Aug. 7, 2003; 69 FR 64674, Nov. 8, 2004]

This section describes the working frequencies assignable to maritime stations for A1A, J2A, J2B (2000-27500 kHz band only), or J2D (2000-27500 kHz band only) radiotelegraphy.

(a) Ship station frequencies—(1) Frequencies in the 100-160 kHz band. The following table describes the working carrier frequencies in the 100-160 kHz band which are assignable to ship stations. A ship station may also transmit on a radiotelegraphy working channel of a coast station within the 100-160 kHz band when directed to do so by the coast station provided interference is not caused to any land, fixed, broadcast, or radiolocation station.

(2) Frequencies in the 405-525 kHz band. The following table describes the working carrier frequencies in the 405-525 kHz band which are assignable to ship stations. A ship station may transmit on a radiotelegraphy working channel of a coast station in the 415-490 kHz band when directed to do so by the coast station.

(3) Frequencies in the 2000-27500 kHz band. This paragraph describes the working frequencies and Channel Series in the 2000-27500 kHz band which are assignable to ship stations.

(i) Two Channel Series will be assigned for routine use to each ship station. Frequencies from any other Channel Series may be used if the frequencies in the assigned Channel Series are not adequate for communications.

(ii) If the frequencies listed in paragraph (3)(i) of this section are not adequate for communications, ship stations may use any of the non-paired narrow-band direct-printing frequencies listed in § 80.361(b) of this part for A1A or J2A radiotelegraphy.

(b) Coast station frequencies—(1) Frequencies in the 100-27500 kHz band. The following table describes the working carrier frequencies in the 100-27500 kHz band which are assignable to coast stations located in the designated geographical areas. The exclusive maritime mobile HF bands listed in the table contained in § 80.363(a)(2) of this chapter are also available for assignment to public coast stations for A1A, J2A, J2B, or J2D radiotelegraphy following coordination with government users.

(2) Conditions of use. The following conditions are applicable to these frequencies:

(i) Frequencies in the 100-160 kHz band are assignable to coast stations for high seas communications only;

(ii) Frequencies above 5 MHz may be assigned primarily to stations serving the high seas and secondarily to stations serving inland waters of the United States, including the Great Lakes, under the condition that interference will not be caused to any coast station serving the high seas.

(iii) The frequency 410 kHz may be used on a secondary basis for the transmission of radiodetermination information and for transmitting by radiotelegraph radiodetermination messages to direction-finding stations; and

[51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986; 51 FR 34984, Oct. 1, 1986, as amended at 56 FR 9887, Mar. 8, 1991; 56 FR 34029, July 25, 1991; 65 FR 77824, Dec. 13, 2000; 67 FR 48264, July 15, 2002; 68 FR 46969, Aug. 7, 2003; 69 FR 64674, Nov. 8, 2004; 82 FR 27213, June 14, 2017; 82 FR 48460, Oct. 18, 2017]

(a) General purpose calling. The following table describes the calling frequencies for use by authorized ship and coast stations for general purpose DSC. There are three series of paried frequencies. One series is for worldwide use; the other two series are for regional use. The “Series A” designation includes coast stations along, and ship stations in, the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. The “Series B” designation includes stations in any remaining areas. Stations must initiate contact on the appropriate regional frequency depending upon the location of the called station and propagation conditions. Acknowledgement is made on the paired frequency. The worldwide frequencies may be used for international calling, if calls on the appropriate regional frequencies are unsuccessful, or the regional series does not contain the appropriate band (e.g., 2 MHz). During normal working hours, all public coast stations capable of DSC operations must monitor the worldwide and regional frequencies appropriate for its location. The specific frequencies to be monitored will vary with propagation conditions.

(b) Distress and safety calling. The frequencies 2187.5 kHz, 4207.5 kHz, 6312.0 kHz, 8414.5 kHz, 12577.0 kHz, 16804.5 kHz and 156.525 MHz may be used for DSC by coast and ship stations on a simplex basis for distress and safety purposes, and may also be used for routine ship-to-ship communications provided that priority is accorded to distress and safety communications. The provisions and procedures for distress and safety calling are contained in ITU-R M.541-9 (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7), and § 80.103(c).

(c) Working frequencies. Coast and ship stations may use DSC techniques for general calling purposes on their assigned working frequencies in the 2000-27500 kHz band and on those frequencies in the 156-162 MHz band which are allocated for maritime control, commercial, non-commercial and public correspondence communications.

[51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986, as amended at 54 FR 49995, Dec. 4, 1989; 56 FR 9890, Mar. 8, 1991; 56 FR 14150, Apr. 5, 1991; 68 FR 46969, Aug. 7, 2003; 73 FR 4485, Jan. 25, 2008; 76 FR 67612, Nov. 2, 2011]

(a) Paired channels. The following frequencies are available for assignment to public coast stations for narrow-band direct-printing (NBDP) and data transmissions. The paired ship frequencies are available for use by authorized ship stations for NBDP and data transmissions.

(b) The following table describes the frequencies and Channel Series with F1B, J2B, or J2D emission which are assignable to ship stations for NBDP and data transmissions with other ship stations and public coast stations. Public coast stations may receive only on these frequencies.

(c) Distress and calling. The frequencies 2174.5 kHz, 4177.5 kHz, 6268.0 kHz, 8376.5 kHz, 12520.0 kHz, and 16695.0 kHz may be used for NBDP and data transmissions by coast and ship stations on a simplex basis for distress and safety purposes.

(d) The frequencies in the 156-162 MHz band available for assignment to public coast stations that are contained in § 80.371(c) of this part are also available for radioprinter and data communications between ship and coast stations using F1B, F2B, F1D, or F2D emission.

[51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986, as amended at 56 FR 9890, Mar. 8, 1991; 57 FR 43407, Sept. 21, 1992; 58 FR 16504, Mar. 29, 1993; 68 FR 46969, Aug. 7, 2003]

(a) The non-paired frequencies with F1C, F3C, J2C or J3C emission which are assignable to ship and public coast stations for facsimile are as follows:

(1) Ship station frequencies. The following frequencies are available for use by authorized ship stations for facsimile.

(2) Coast station frequencies. The following table describes the exclusive maritime mobile HF frequency bands that are available for assignment to coast stations using 3 kHz channels for facsimile. However, any frequency in the 2000-27500 kHz bands listed in part 2 of the Commission's Rules as available for shared use by the maritime mobile service and other radio services, except for the 4000-4063 kHz and the 8100-8195 kHz bands, is available for assignment to coast stations for facsimile. Frequency assignments are subject to coordination with government users.

(b) The frequencies in the 156-162 MHz band available for assignment to public coast stations that are contained in § 80.371(c) of this part are also available for facsimile communications between ship and coast stations using F2C or F3C emission.

(c) The frequency 156.425 MHz is assigned by rule to private coast stations and ship stations in Alaska for ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship facsimile transmissions using F2C or F3C emissions.

[51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986, as amended at 54 FR 40059, Sept. 29, 1989; 56 FR 9893, Mar. 8, 1991; 57 FR 43407, Sept. 21, 1992; 62 FR 40307, July 28, 1997; 68 FR 46970, Aug. 7, 2003]

Frequencies in the 156-162 MHz band may be used for VHF digital small message services (VDSMS) complying with RTCM 12301 (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7), except as follows

[81 FR 90747, Dec. 15, 2016]

The following sections describe the carrier frequencies and general conditions of use for the following types of radiotelephony:

—Distress, urgency, safety, call and reply.

—Working.

—Public.

—Private.

(a) Ship stations communicating with foreign coast stations may operate on any frequency designated by that coast station.

(b) Radiotelephony stations communicating with a Government station may transmit on a Government frequency when authorized to do so by the Government station or agency if the emission, bandwidth and frequency tolerance of the maritime station are within the same limits as the Government station.

(c) Frequencies assigned to Government radio stations are assignable to non-Government maritime stations for radiotelephony communications with other non-Government stations in connection with activities performed in coordination with or on behalf of the Government.

(d) Frequencies in the 2000-27500 kHz band will be authorized only to ship stations that in addition are authorized to use frequencies in the 156-162 MHz band.

(e) Frequencies in the 2000-2850 kHz band will be authorized to private coast stations that in addition are authorized to use frequencies in the 156-162 MHz band.

(f) Ship and coast stations authorized to use frequencies in both the 2000-27500 kHz and 156-162 MHz bands must not use frequencies in the 2000-27500 kHz band for communications with any other station which is within the VHF service range.

(g) Coast and ship station radiotelephone working frequencies are available for DSC general purpose calling under the provisions of § 80.207(a).

(h) Digital selective calling techniques are not authorized on the frequencies 2182 kHz or 156.800 MHz.

This section describes the general uses and frequencies assignable to maritime stations for distress, urgency, safety, call and reply radiotelephony communications.

(a) In the 1605-3500 kHz band, the frequency 2182 is an international radiotelephony distress, urgency and safety frequency for ship stations, public and private coast stations, and survival craft stations. It is also used for call and reply by ship stations on a primary basis and by public coast stations on a secondary basis. The carrier frequency 2191 kHz may be used as a supplementary calling frequency in areas of heavy usage of 2182 kHz. All stations must use J3E emission when operating on 2182 and 2191 kHz, except that:

(1) H3E emission may be used on 2182 kHz for communications with foreign coast and ship stations; or,

(2) A3E emission may be used on 2182 kHz by portable survival craft stations, or transmitters authorized for use prior to January 1, 1972. See § 80.203(c).

(b) The frequencies 4125.0 kHz, 6215 kHz, 8291 kHz, 12290 kHz, and 16420 kHz may be used by coast and ship stations on a simplex basis for distress and safety communications. The frequency 4125.0 kHz may also be used for distress and safety communications between aircraft and maritime mobile stations.

(c) The frequency 5167.5 kHz is available to any station for emergency communications in the State of Alaska. Peak envelope power of stations operating on this frequency must not exceed 150 watts. This frequency may also be used by Alaska private fixed stations for calling and listening, but only for establishing communication.

(d) In the 4000-27500 kHz band, the following coast frequencies are available for assignment to public coast stations for call and reply communications. The paired ship frequencies are available for use by authorized ship stations.

(e) In the 120-156 MHz band the following frequencies are used as indicated:

(1) The frequencies 121.500 MHz and 123.100 MHz using A3E emission are available for scene of action search and rescue operations to ship, coast and aircraft stations. Communications in support of search and rescue operations must employ the frequency 121.500 MHz only when communications on 123.100 MHz or other VHF frequencies is not practicable. Ship, coast and aircraft stations engaged in such communications on 121.500 MHz must shift to 123.100 MHz as soon as possible.

(2) The frequency 156.525 MHz is available for intership, ship and coast general purpose, distress and safety DSC calls.

(3) The frequency 156.800 MHz is the international radiotelephone distress, urgency, safety, call and reply frequency for ship, public and private coast stations. Stations operating on 156.800 MHz must be able to transmit and receive using G3E emission.

(4) The frequency 156.450 MHz (channel 9) is available for intership, ship and coast station general purpose calling by noncommercial vessels, such as recreational boats. Distress, urgency and safety calls should initially be made on 156.800 MHz (channel 16) or, if equipped with DSC, on 156.525 MHz (channel 70).

[51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986, as amended at 52 FR 35245, Sept. 18, 1987; 54 FR 49995, Dec. 4, 1989; 56 FR 9893, Mar. 8, 1991; 57 FR 19552, May 7, 1992]

This section describes the radiotelephony working frequencies assignable to ship and public coast stations.

(a) Working frequencies in the 2000-4000 kHz band. The following table describes the working carrier frequency pairs in the 2000-4000 kHz band.

(b) Working frequencies in the 4000-27500 kHz band. This paragraph describes the working carrier frequencies in the 4000-27500 kHz band. With respect to frequencies that are assignable in more than one geographical area, once the frequency is assigned to one licensee, any subsequent license will be authorized on a secondary, non-interference basis with respect to the incumbent license's existing operation. If the first licensee later seeks authorization to operate in an additional geographic area, such authorization will be on a secondary, non-interference basis to other co-channel licensees.

(1) The following table specifies the carrier frequencies available for assignment to public coast stations. The paired ship frequencies are available for use by authorized ship stations. The specific frequency assignment available to public coast stations for a particular geographic area is indicated by an “x” under the appropriate column. The allotment areas are in accordance with the “Standard Defined Areas” as identified in the International Radio Regulations, Appendix 25 Planning System, and indicated in the preface to the International Frequency List (IFL).

(2) The following table specifies the non-paired carrier frequencies that are available for assignment to public coast stations for simplex operations. These frequencies are available for use by authorized ship stations for transmissions to coast stations (simplex operations). Assignments on these frequencies must accept interference. They are shared with government users and are considered “common use” frequencies under the international Radio Regulations. They cannot be notified for inclusion in the Master International Frequency Register, which provides stations with interference protection, but may be listed in the international List of Coast Stations. (See Radio Regulation No. 1220 and Recommendation 304.)

(c) Working frequencies in the marine VHF 156-162 MHz band. (1)(i) The frequency pairs listed in this paragraph are available for assignment to public coast stations for communications with ship stations and units on land.

(ii) Service areas in the marine VHF 156-162 MHz band are VHF Public Coast Service Areas (VPCSAs). As listed in the table in this paragraph (c)(1)(ii), VPCSAs are based on, and composed of one or more of, the U.S. Department of Commerce's 172 Economic Areas (EAs). See 60 FR 13114 (March 10, 1995). In addition, the Commission shall treat Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Gulf of Mexico as EA-like areas, and has assigned them EA numbers 173-176, respectively. Maps of the EAs and VPCSAs are available for public inspection through the Federal Communications Commission's Reference Information Center, Tel: 1-888-225-5322. In addition to the EAs listed in the table in this paragraph (c)(1)(ii), each VPCSA also includes the adjacent waters under the jurisdiction of the United States. In VPCSAs 10-42, the working carrier frequency pair 157.250 MHz/161.850 MHz (Channel 25) is not available for assignment under this part.

(iii) Subject to paragraph (c)(3) of this section, each licensee may also operate on 12.5 kHz offset frequencies in areas where the licensee is authorized on both frequencies adjacent to the offset frequency, and in areas where the licensee on the other side of the offset frequency consents to the licensee's use of the adjacent offset frequency. Coordination with Canada is required for offset operations under any circumstance in which operations on either adjoining 25 kHz channel would require such coordination. See § 80.57 of this part.

(2) Any recovered channel pairs will revert automatically to the holder of the VPCSA license within which such channels are included, except the channel pairs listed in the table in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section. Those channel pairs, and any channel pairs recovered where there is no VPCSA licensee, will be retained by the Commission for future licensing.

(e) Canada/U.S.A. channeling arrangement frequencies. The VHF frequencies assignable to ship and coast stations in the State of Washington and their usage limitations pursuant to the Canada/U.S.A. channeling arrangement are described in subpart B of this part.

(4) Subject to the requirements of § 1.924 of this chapter and § 80.21, each VPCSA licensee may place stations anywhere within its region without obtaining prior Commission approval provided:

(i) It provides to co-channel coast station incumbent licensees, and incumbent Private Land Mobile Radio licensees authorized under part 90 of this chapter on a primary basis, protection as defined in subpart P of this part. VPCSA licensees that share a common border may either distribute the available frequencies upon mutual agreement or request that the Commission assign frequencies along the common border.

(ii) The locations and/or technical parameters of the transmitters are such that individual coordination of the channel assignment(s) with a foreign administration, under applicable international agreements and rules in this part, is not required.

(iii) For any construction or alteration that would exceed the requirements of § 17.7 of this chapter, licensees must notify the appropriate Regional Office of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA Form 7460-1) and file a request for antenna height clearance and obstruction marking and lighting specifications (FCC Form 854) with the FCC, Attn: Information Processing Branch, 1270 Fairfield Rd., Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245.

(iv) The transmitters must not have a significant environmental effect as defined by §§ 1.1301 through 1.1319 of this chapter.

(d) Working frequencies in the Mississippi River System. The Mississippi River System includes the Mississippi River and connecting navigable waters other than the Great Lakes. The following simplex frequencies are available for assignment to public coast stations serving the Mississippi River System for radiotelephony communications. These simplex frequencies also are available for use by authorized ship stations within communication service range, whether or not the ship is operating within the confines of the Mississippi River System.

(e) Canada/U.S.A. channeling arrangement frequencies. The VHF frequencies assignable to ship and coast stations in the State of washington and their usage limitations purusant to the Canada/U.S.A. channeling arrangement are described in subpart B of this part.

[51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 80.371, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.